GB2332038A

GB2332038A - Firearm and accessories

Info

Publication number: GB2332038A
Application number: GB9725771A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hugh Alexander Campbell; Ian Fraser Thompson
Original assignee: Thompson and Campbell Ltd
Current assignee: Thompson and Campbell Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-05
Filing date: 1997-12-05
Publication date: 1999-06-09
Also published as: GB2332038A9; GB9725771D0; DE19856248A1

Abstract

A firearm (1) comprises a body and other components namely a cheek-piece (21) and butt-plate (22) adjustably mounted on a metal butt-stock sub-frame (2). The sub-frame and components are provided with interlocking grooves and channels, and through-slots. A wing-bolt secures and releases each component at its desired setting. A recoil stop is included in the mounting of the butt-plate. Also provided are tools (201, 214) for field replacement of the barrel (7), which can be performed without dismantling the firearm, or even disturbing the telescopic sight. An adjustable mounting for a telescopic sight (Figures 8 and 9, not shown) and a mounting for a silencer (Figures 10 and 11, not shown) are also described.

Description

1Q_ 1 FIREARM AND ACCESSORIES 2332038 The present invention relates to a

firearm, for example a rifle, and in particular a firearm and a system of 5 accessories for use with said firearm.

The present invention is concerned with providing a firearm which has a large degree of adaptability and for equipment to form a system for use with said firearm, as well as to providing stand-alone equipment for use with firearms in general.

A number of problems have been identified in the provision of adaptable firearms, especially where highaccuracy is to be maintained. For example, it is often desired to provide adjustable components such as cheek pieces and butt-plates, but the known clamping mechanisms are unreliable, particularly after use in dirty environments. Known bi-pod and ground spike arrangement also leave room for improvement, particularly in their tendency to collapse under loads that can be applied in use. Particularly when aiming over large distances, much of the range of adjustments in existing telescopic sights can be used merely to zero the sight. There is also room for improvement in the speed of attaching a silencer to the barrel of a firearm, and to the ease of interchanging the barrel itself, for different firing situations.

2 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a butt-stock for use in a firearm, which butt-stock has a rnetal or alloy member which forms the major load bearing component of the buttstock, and to which other components of the firearm can be readily and where appropriate adjustably attached.

There is further provided a firearm which includes a butt-stock, a forestock, an action and a barrel, wherein the butt-stock has a metal or alloy member which forms the major load bearing component of the butt-stock and to which other components of the firearm can be readily and, where appropriate, adjustably attached.

It is envisaged that a butt-stock in accordance with the invention can be removably attached to the action of the firearm, for example in accordance with the means for so doing described and claimed in our co-pending patent application GB-A-2305716, the content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference. GB-A-2305716 also discloses one example of an action suitable for incorporation in embodiments of the invention in all its aspects.

In one embodiment of the invention, the metal or alloy member includes a olate-like sub-frame or chassis member which can be attached to the action of a firearm at one end -ending along the length of the butt-stock thereof, ext transversely thereof across the major width of the buttstock. The basic shape and dimensions, as would be viewed 1 3 from the side of a conventional firearm, can be imparted by the plate- like member, while the body and handling characteristics of the butt- stock can be provided by components attached to the plate-like member.

The metal or alloy member can be made from any suitable metal based material, such as aluminium or titanium or alloys thereof, with the choice of the material being made according to the criteria, such as weight or strength as well as cost, by the design of the firearm. In one particular example of the present invention the metal or alloy member is formed from aluminium.

Facia panels of wood and/or synthetic material may be 15 attached to the butt-stock in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the firearm. These facia panels can be used in order to provide body to the appearance of the butt-stock as well as hide and protect from dirt the mountings of these and other equipment or components attached to the butt-stock.

The butt-stock may be provided with means to enable the attachment of components such as a butt-plate or a cheekpiece. Tn one arrangement the means to enable attachment of the components to the butt-stock comprises a series of grooves or channels which are sized to inter-mesh with corresponding grooves or channels provided on the component, there being further provided one or more through-slots, or a series of through-bores along the length of the channels or transverse to them, a bolt being inserted through the 4 component and the through-slots or through-bore to secure the component in a selected position with regard to the buttstock.

The components to be attached to the butt-stock may include a tongue whereon the corresponding grooves or channels are provided and the tongue may also be provided with a through-bore or through-slot for the insertion of the bolt.

With this type of arrangement the grooves provided in the butt-stock may be over a greater width than the width of the tongue of the component and thereby the component may be provided with some degree of adjustability with regard to the position in which it is mounted on the butt-stock. It will be appreciated that this adjustability will be in steps imposed by the pitch of the grooves. The enmeshing of the complementary grooves or channels provides a more reliable fixing at a desired position than known mechanisms which rely on clamping forces alone, particularly in dirty environments.

In addition, the use of a series of through-bores or a -ock through-slot along the length of the groove in the butt-st enables the position of the component to be adjusted in one direction, while adjustment at right angles may be provided by a through- slot or series of through-bores in the tongue.

1 1 The tongue may form part of a generally T-shaped member, having also a mounting plate for attachment of a cheek-piece, butt-plate or other accessory.

A pad of wood or synthetic material, forming the main part of the cheek-piece or butt-plate, may be attached to the mounting plate of the T-shaped member.

The tongue or T-shaped member may be made from the same metal or alloy as the metal or alloy member in the buttstock.

A cheek-piece may be fitted to the butt-stock on the upper surface thereof in this fashion, and may lie flush with the wood or synthetic cladding when in a retracted position.

A similar arrangement may be used to effect the attachment of a buttplate to the butt-stock. In this case, the arrangement can be provided with a recoil stop on the tongue, and in particular the means to enable attachment of the component to the butt-stock may be adapted so that the butt-stock includes cross- grooves or cross-channels at right angles to the grooves, for engagement with the recoil stop. With this type of arrangement for the means to enable the mounting to the butt-stock the grooves and the cross-grooves form a sort of cross-hatch pattern which is provided with one or more through-slots running along the length of the crossgrooves or through- bores at strategic points therein for the 6 insertion of the bolt and so enable the location of the buttplate at distinct positions on the butt-stock.

In one embodiment of the invention the buttplate is provided with a retractable ground spike that is housed in a recess formed in the mounting plate of the butt-plate. Conventional ground spikes are held by a clutch action in set positions, but in the preferred embodiment, a positive latching mechanism is provided to prevent the spike retracting unintentionally during use. A ratchet behaviour may be incorporated, so as to permit rapid deployment of the ground spike.

The retractable ground spike may for example comprise a member having notches formed along its length, so that the notches are forced into engagement with a lip provided on the recess to lock the member in position and resist forces tending to urge the ground spike back into the recess. The lip and the notched member may be biased together, and released by manual force to allow retraction of the member into the recess. The lip may form part of a locking catch, biased against the notches of the member.

The notches provided on the member of the retractable ground spike, and/or the lip which engages the notches, may be shaped so that the member may be simply pulled out of the recess but movement of the retractable ground spike into the recess is resisted. In this way the notches act rather like a ratchet.

1 7 Further the retractable ground spike can be with adjustable foot means in the end remote provided from the mounting in the recess. This adjustable foot means may comprise a threaded disc through which extends a threaded spike mounted in the end of the member. With this type of arrangement for the retractable ground spike the coarse control is provided by the extraction of the member from the recess and the fine control is provided by the adjustment of 10 the foot member on the threaded spike.

The member may be a tubular member, for example of steel.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the adjustable mounting arrangement having inter-engaging grooves or channels as set forth above can be used with the specific construction of butt- stock described, or can be adapted for mounting accessories on other forms of firearm, and other parts than the butt-stock of the firearm.

These aspects of the invention also provide independently a component such as a cheek-piece or a buttplate for adjustable mounting on a firearm, the component and firearm being provided with complementary grooves or channels so as to prevent slipping between them in at least one direction, once they are held together.

8 Further the invention also provides independently an adjustable buttplate including a recoil stop, for mounting on the butt-stock of a firearm.

Further the invention also provides independentlya butt-plate including a retractable ground spike with positive latching action, for mounting on the butt-stock of a firearm.

Yet further these aspects of the invention also include independently a retractable ground spike with positive latching action, for use in such a firearm.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a bipod for use with a firearm, which bi-pod is mountable to the firearm and comprises a pivotal leg arrangement having two legs rotatable about a swivel joint, means biasing the legs about the swivel joint, and gate means, wherein movement of the legs about- the swivel joint is restricted by the gate means.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a bi-pod for use with a firearm which bi pod is mountable to a firearm and comprises a leg assembly coupled by a first pivot to the firearm, the first pivo having in use a horizontal pivot axis generally perpendicular to the axis of the firearm, the leg assembly comprising two - pivot via a legs coupled to each other and to the f irst second pivot having an axis generally perpendicular to that of the first pivot, the legs being movable between a stowed 1 9 position, in which the legs are together and generally aligned with the firearm axis, and at least one operational position, in which the legs are splayed apart and deployed at an angle to the firearm axis.

There may be provided means for biasing the legs about said second pivot, and gate means for retaining the legs in each of said stowed and operational positions. The means biasing the legs about the swivel joint (second pivot) may be a spring such as a compression spring.

In embodiments of the bi-pod according to the third and fourth aspects of the invention set forth above, the gate means comprises a notched surface, in which the shape, size and position of notches control both the angular relationship of the legs to the firearm and the separation of the legs. Unlike known bi-pods in which each leg have a pivot angled to provide rotation in both dimensions at once, the arrangement according to these aspects of the invention can be made stable against both vertical loads and loads forward and rearward when in use.

The gate means can conveniently be formed in walls of a housing for the pivots. In one arrangement of the bi-pod the legs are housed within the housing over at least part of their length and they engage with the notches in the housing to restrict and firmly hold them in position so that the legs can be displaced inwardly against the action of the biasing means.

The bi-pod may be made from any suitable material in a typical example, it is made from steel to give a and strong construction.

and light In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting for a telescopic sight which mounting can be mounted to a firearm, for example where a telescopic sight would normally be directly mounted, and which mounting includes a body member mountable to the firearm having means to adjust the horizontal relationship of the body member to the firearm and a rail member pivotally fixed to the body member and having means to adjust the angular elevation of the rail member to the body member, wherein the pivot between the rail member and the body member and the -means to adjust the angular elevation are provided towards opposing ends of the mounting.

The use of such a mounting means that when a telescopic sight is zeroed in for the firearm to which it is fitted, the adjustments made to achieve this are taken up in the mounting, and not the sight as is commonly the case at present. This means that the sight still has a full range of adjustments available for compensation for the windage and elevation for distance. This increased capability is of major significance when using the firearm at extreme ranges, for example towards 1000m.

1 I I In one arrangement, the body member comprises a U-shaped member having two upstanding arms with the rail member being located between the two arm members.

In order the mounting movable with the pivotal to maintain the accuracy of the sight fitted to the rail member and body member should not be respect to one another except angularly about mounting between the two numbers. In the arrangement detailed above this can be achieved by making the rail member an interference fit between the two upstanding arms, to the extent that engineering tolerances allow this to be achieved.

According to an alternative embodiment, however, the body member of the mounting is formed integrally with the action of the firearm, for example by machining out a channel from the metal of the action, the adjustment for both the elevation and the horizontal angle being provided between the rail member and the body member.

Each adjusting means may be screw-based. The mounting may also include locking means to lock the rail member in position with regard to the body member, so as to lock the rail member at a set elevation angle relative to the body member. Similarly, the horizontal (windage) adjustment can be locked or otherwise retained while the mounting is removed and re-fitted to the firearm. In practice, thereafter, only the sight itself need be adjusted at each use.

12 The telescopic sight may be mounted to the rail member, for example using a conventional dovetail mounting means.

-ion there In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invent is provided a silencer for use with a firearm, said silencer comprising a silencing chamber having a through-bore, mounting means provided at one end of the throughbore to enable mounting of the silencer about the barrel of a firearm, wherein the mounting means has a collar with an 10 external mating portion and a number of cup means therearound into which are disposed locking elements, sleeve having a mating portion to engage the mating on the collar and an internal shoulder shaped to act the locking elements as the sleeve is fitted to the spaced and a portion against collar, wherein the barrel of the firearm is provided with a locking surface so that when the silencer is fitted about the barrel and the sleeve fitted about the collar the internal shoulder of the sleeve acts against the locking elements causing them to engage under pressure the locking surface on the barrel and so lock the silencer in position on the barrel.

In one arranaement of the invention the locking surface on the barrel comprises the upper edge of a groove cut in to the barrel.

In one arrangement of the invention the locking elements comprise ballbearings. The ball-bearings typically being sized so that they are larger in diameter than the thickness of the collar.

1 13 The ball-bearings, or the locking elements in general, are located in the cup means so that they may protrude into the through-bore of the silencer but may not pass completely through the collar into the through-bore. In one particular arrangement of the invention, this is achieved by cutting the cup means in the collar leaving a shoulder around the cup means and so restricting the diameter of the cup means in this area.

The internal shoulder may be at an inclined angle so that the pressure applied to the ball-bearings is gradually increased as the sleeve is inserted over the collar.

The mating portions on the collar and the sleeve may be screw threads which inter-engages to draw the sleeve onto the collar as the sleeve is tightened about the collar.

With this arrangement of the collar and sleeve to effect the securing of the silencer to the barrel of the firearm, the ball- bearings are held captive in the collar from the one end by the shoulder on the cup means and from the other end by the sleeve placed about the collar.

This aspect of the invention also includes a firearm with the silencer fitted.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a device for use with a firearm which 14 device comprises means to enable the replacement of a barrel of a firearm and which device includes a tubular member having a key for engagement with a key-way provided on the barrel of the firearm, such that the barrel of the firearm is inserted into the tubular member and the key engaged with the key-way and force is applied to undo the barrel from the action of the firearm to which it is fitted. In principle, the key could alternatively be provided on the barrel and the key-way on the tool, or some other engaging surfaces provided 10 for transmission of torque.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, barrels are fitted to firearms in a number of different ways ii n order to fulfil different design criteria and objectives. However, where the basic criterion is accuracy, particularly towards the limit of the range of the firearm, screw fitting of the barrel to the action still provides the best method. Such fittings do however tend to make it difficult to enable fitting of a new barrel without dismantling of the firearm completely, not least because the relevant parts are generally contained within the forestock. Field fitting of a new barrel is therefore impractical.

Prior proposals for f -ield- replaceable barrels tend to sacrifice the accuracy provided by the screw mounting, in favour of some other form of mounting. The use of the device in this aspect of the invention provides means by which the barrel of the firearm can be readily undone and thereby easily replaced even in the field.

1 In one embodiment of the invention the device is provided with two pivotally mounted feet at or towards one end of the tubular member. With this type of device the feet may be deployed so that they may be stood upon and thereby extra pressure applied to the barrel in a controlled fashion and so enable the barrel to be unfastened from the action safely without chance of damage like cross-threading to the barrel and/action of the rifle.

The key-way formed in the barrel of the rifle to enable the use of the device may be formed towards the upper end of the barrel near to the attachment to the action. This is preferred so that the application of the force to the barrel to facilitate removal of the barrel is close to the area in which the force will be acting and thereby reduce the effect of any twisting that may be applied to the barrel and/or action by the use of the device. The barrel will also generally be of thicker construction in this region.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a device or tool for engaging and turning the action of a bolt-action or similar firearm, the device tool comprising a section adapted for entry into the receiver of the action in place of the bolt or equivalent part, and a further section for handling the tool so as to apply torque about the axis of the firearm. This tool can be used in conjunction with the device of the seventh aspect, or independently.

16 The receiver may itself have a non-circular crosssection for at least part of its length, in which case the tool may have a complementary crosssection so as to key it to the receiver sufficiently to apply the required torque to the action.

Alternatively, or in addition, the tool may be formed with projections for engaging neighbouring surfaces of the action, in order to permit torque to be applied. A separate piece may be provided which can be mounted to the tool in the ejector opening, after the tool is inserted into the receiver of the action, so as to apply torque at the edges of the ejector opening.

The section for handling may for example provide a standard socket for connection to a torque wrench or a simple ratchet arm.

In combination the various aspects of the present invention provide a complete weapons system which is versatile and relatively easy to maintain.

The invention will now be illustrated by way of description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a rifle; i 1 17 Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a buttstock of the rifle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a part of 5 the butt-stock shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a part of the butt-stock shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the buttplate of the butt- stock shown in Figure 3; Figures 6 & 7 show schematic representations of a bi-pod for use with the rifle shown in Figure 1; Figures 8, 9a & 9b show schematic representations of a telescopic sight mount for use with the rifle shown in Figure Figures 10 & 11 show schematic representations of a silencer for use with the rifle shown in Figure 1; Figures 12 & 13 show schematic representations of a first tool for use in replacing the barrel of the rifle shown in Figure 1; and Figures 14, 15 & 15a show schematic representations of a second tool for use in replacing the barrel of the rifle shown in Figure 1.

18 Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a firearm, in this case a rifle 1, made in accordance with the present invention which has been constructed about an alloy sub-frame (not shown). The rifle 'L comprises a butt-stock 2, a fore-stock 3, an action 4 including the firing mechanisms of the rifle and means 6 for mounting a telescopic sight, and a barrel 7.

The action in this example is of the bolt action type, for example as described in our co-pending application GB-A 2305716, mentioned above. The butt-stock 2, the forestock 3 and the action 5 may be f ixed with regard to one another using the means described for the purpose in GB-A-2305716.

Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawingsshow the butt-stock 2 in greater detail. The butt-stock 2 comprises a cent-rally disposed plate or sub-frame of metal or alloy, in this case aluminium, having a first end 2a for attaching to the fore-stock 3 and/or action 5 of the rifle 1, and a second end 2b. Various components such as a cheek-piece 21 and a butt-plate 22 can be mounted to the rifle by means of the sub-frame and a number of facia panels of wood and/or synthetic material may be disposed about the sub-f-rame to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the rifle 1.

The cheek-piece 21 and the butt-plate 22 have the same basic construction and comprise a T-shaped member formed from alloy such as aluminium having a mounting plate 21a, 22a and a tongue 21b, 22b.

I 19 Specifically the cheek-piece 21 comprises a pad 21c of wood and/or synthetic material mounted to the mounting plate 21a, a downwardly extending tongue 21b having a slot 21d extending therethrough and a longitudinal groove 21e, and a wing bolt 21f. In order to enable the cheek-piece to be mounted to the butt-stock 2 the butt-stock, or more particularly the sub-frame, is provided with a series of complementary channels 2c which are located in the frame to enable the correct positioning of the cheek-piece 21 for the user. A slot 2d in the butt-stock extends transversely across the channels 2c, to enable the wing bolt 21f to pass through the butt-stock.

In effect, the groove 21e and the complementary channels 2c form a series of teeth having a depth of approximately 1.5 mm, which inter-mesh and thereby serve to lock the cheekpiece 21 in place in longitudinal position on the rifle by the engagement these teeth. The pitch of the teeth dictates the degree of movement and adjustability in the position of the cheek- piece 21 longitudinally on the butt-stock.

In mounting the cheek-piece 21 to the rifle 1 the groove 21e and the complementary channels 2c are correctly inter- aligned and the wing bolt 21f is inserted through the slot 2d and the slot 21d, and tightened so that the teeth mesh fully, thereby firmly locating the cheek-piece 21 on the rifle. Movement of the cheek-piece 21 in and out of the butt-stock is enabled by the movement of the loosened wing bolt 21f in the slot 21d, with longitudinal movement by movement of wing bolt 21f along the slot 2d.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings shows the butt plate 22 in greater detail. Specifically the butt-plate 22 comprises a pad 22c of wood and/or synthetic material mounted to the mounting plate 22a, a downwardly extending tongue 22b having a slot 22d extending therethrough and a longitudinal groove 22e, and a wing bolt 22f. A recoil stop 22g is provided along the base of the tongue 22b closing the groove 22e.

In order to enable the butt-)late 22 to be mounted to the butt-stock 2 the butt-stock, or more particularly the sub-f-rame, is provided with two series of complementary channels 2e, 2f at right angles to each other are formed in the sub-frame and form a sort of checker board pattern. The channels 2e extend longitudinally into the butt-stock 2 and the channels 2f extend parallel to the end of the butt-stock.

A slot 2g which runs along the length of the channels 2f is provided in the sub-frame of the butt-stock.

As with the cheek-piece, the groove 22e and the complementary channels 2e form a series of teeth having a depth of approximately 1.5 mm which inter-mesh and thereby serve to lock the butt-plate 22 in place in vertical position on the rifle by the engagement these teeth. The pitch of the teeth dictates the degree of movement and adjustability in the position of the butt-plate 22 on the butt-stock. In 1 21 addition, however, the channels 2f engage with the recoil stop 22g to lock the butt-plate in position with regard to its longitudinal displacement into the butt-stock.

In mounting the butt-plate 22 to the sub-frame the buttplate is located on the sub-frame so that the groove 22e and the recoil stop 22g are correctly aligned with regard to the complimentary channels 2e, 2f respectively on the sub-frame, the wing bolt 22f is inserted through one the slot 2g in the sub-frame and the slot 22d in the butt-plate, and tightened so that the groove 22e, recoil stop 22g and the complementary channels 2e, 2f mesh together and the butt-plate 22 is secured rigidly in position with regard to the butt-stock 2. In order to alter the position of the butt-plate 22 on the sub-frame a new position on the checker board like pattern needs to be selected and the butt-plate 22 physically moved to that position.

In the embodiment of the rifle 1 being described it is envisaged that the two wing bolts 21f, 22f are butterfly type bolts which extend through the butt-stock 2 of the rifle as well as any facia panels fitted to the butt-stock. The ends of the bolts being housed below the general level of the facia panels in recesses (not shown). It will be appreciated that anysuitable form of compression type fixing device can be used instead of threaded wing bolts, to hold the tongue of each fitted component against the sub-frame.

22 Now referring to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a retractable ground spike 23 which may be provided as an additional feature of the butt-plate 22. The ground spike is located in a recess 24 provided in the buttplate 22.

The retractable ground spike 23 comprises a tubular body section 23a, one end of which is positively held and located in the recess 24 having a lip 24a by a locking catch (not shown). A series of notches 23b are provided down the length thereof, and at the end of the body section remote from the recess 24 a threaded spike 23c is provided.

The spike is also provided with a foot member 23d that is rotatable thereabouts to alter the position thereof on the spike.

The body section 23a of the spike when it is normally disposed and the lip 24a are biased together so encouraging the notches 23b to engage the lip 24a. The shaping of the notches is such that the movement of the body section out of the recess is not hindered, however the notches 23b engage the lip 24a and are thus locked against inward movement of the body section 23a with regard to the recess 24.

Normally the ground spike is housed in the recess 24 so that no part thereof is protruding. When the spike is to be deployed the body section 23a of the retractable ground spike 23 is pulled rom the recess 24 in the butt-plate 22 of the i 23 butt-stock 2. When the spike has been extracted to the required amount the action of the biasing acts to force one of the notches 23b on the body section to engage the lip 24a and so lock the body section 23a in position with regard to the rifle. Any fine adjustment of the spike 23 can be carried out by rotating the foot member 23d about the threaded spike 23c.

In order to retract the spike into the recess 24 the 10 locking catch is disengaged and the spike pushed back out of engagement with the lip 24a and the spike simply pushed back into the recess. The locking catch may be disengaged by means of a handle provided for that purpose.

Now referring to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a bi-pod suitable for use with a firearm made in accordance with the present invention. The bi-pod 30 may be mounted to the rifle by means of attachment means 6 provided on the fore-stock 3.

The bi-pod 30 comprises: a square sectioned tubular member 31 which can engage with a similar member provided forming the attachment means 6 on the fore-stock 3 of the rifle for attaching the bi-pod to the rifle; a threaded member 31a which engages in holes provided to lock the square sectioned tubular member to the rifle; a leg arrangement 32 and a housing 33. If desired a swivel may also be included in the bi-pod to provide a rifle mounted thereon a field or sweep of fire from side to side.

24 The leg arrangement 32 is pivotally mounted at 31b to the square sectioned tubular member of the bi-pod and comprises two angled legs 34 which are inter-connected at one end thereof by a common swivel point 35. The legs 34 are provided with studs 36 onto which is mounted a spring 37 which acts to force the legs apart about the swivel point 35.

The housing 33 is basically a sheet type structure which encompasses the end of the square sectioned tubular member 31, the pivot 31b, and the swivel point 35 of the leg arrangement 32. The housing comprises a main section of generally L-shape and two arcuately shaped end sectors 38 having.notches 38a in the arcuate edge thereof.

In operation the legs 34 are substantially located between the two end sectors 38 of the housing 33 with the short arm of the legs engaging said end sectors so that the outward movement of the legs about the swivel point 35 is restricted and thereby the spread of the legs 34 is restricted. A number of notches 38a are cut in the arcuate edge of each end sector 38, at respective angular positions.

The depths of the notches 38a in the end sectors control the spread of the legs at each angular position, witha deeper notch permitting a greater spread of the legs 34. In fact, in the embodiment shown, one pair of the notches at angular position W is sized so that the legs are in a stowed position, close to one another. At angular positions 1 B", the notches 38a are deeper, and so permit a spreading of the legs to provide a stable bi-pod.

When fitted to the rifle the bi-pod may be either deployed for use or in the stowage position with the legs in line and substantially parallel to the barrel 6 of the rifle. The bi-pod 30 may be moved between the various positions and therefore notches 38a by simply pushing the legs together against the action of the spring so that the legs disengage from the notches and then moving the leg arrangement to the required position and allowing the legs to engage the respective notches 38a.

In order to provide the bi-pod with the required lightness yet maintain the strength of the construction the bi-pod is constructed from steel tubing.

Now referring to Figures 8 and 9a of the drawings there is shown a mounting means 40 to enable a telescopic sight to be mounted to the action of the rifle 1. Normally the action 4 of the rifle is provided with an external dovetail rail which enables a telescopic sight to be directly mounted onto the rif le 1. The mounting means 40 enables a telescopic sight to be mounted to the rifle and uses said dovetail rail so that it can itself be mounted onto the rifle.

The mounting means 40 comprises an elongate Ushaped base member 41 and a central rail member 42. The base member 41 has a floor 43, two upstanding arms 44, an internal 26 dovetail 45 provided in its underside, two locking screws 46 located one in each of the arms 44 and four mounting and positioning means 47 at or towards the corners of the Ushaped base member. Each mounting and positioning means 47 comprises a plate 48 through which is disposed a locking screw 49 which acts against the action of the rifle so that the combination of the four means 47 locks the U-shaped member in position with respect to the action 4 of the rifle. One of the means 47 is further provided with screws 50 which can be adjusted to alter the position of the U-shaped base member on the action 4 two adjusting alianment and The central rail member 42 is an elongate, substantially square section member disposed between the arms 44 of the Ushaped base member 41. The central rail member has an external dovetail cut into the upper surfaces thereof onto which a telescopic sight (not shown) may be mounted. The central rail member 42 is pivotally mounted to the U-shaped base member 41 at one end thereof by a pivot pin 51, whilst at the other end means 52 is provided to adjust the angular relationship, elevation, of the central rail member to the Ushaped base member. The means 52 comprises a screw arrangement that is set at an angle to the axis of the mounting means 40, for example 30 degrees, so that the telescopic sight mounted on the central rail member 42 will not interfere with the adjustment of the elevation of the central rail member 42.

I 27 In order to adjust the elevation of the central rail member and therefore any telescopic sight fitted to the central rail member 42 the screw arrangement is adjusted and the screw thereof acts against the floor 43 of the U-shaped base member forcing the central rail member to pivot about the pivot pin 51.

The fit of the central rail 42 to the U-shaped base member 41 should be as tight as possible within normal tolerance levels so that there is little or no chance of the central rail 42 moving transversely with regard to the Ushaped base member 41 however whilst still allowing the elevation adjustment that is desired.

The locking screws 46 are provided in each of the arms 44 at a point approximately mid-way along the length of the U-shaped base member 41 and simply comprise screws that pass through holes provided in the arms to act against the central rail member 42 and lock the central rail member in position with regard to the U-shaped base member.

In use the U-shaped base member 41 is normally located on the dovetail rail provided on the rifle by simply sliding it into position and secured in position. When a telescopic sight has been fixed to the mounting means the sight is set to a zero position on its dials and adjustments and then the rifle with sight is zeroed in onto a null position using the adjustment capability available in the mounting means 40 by adjustment of the mounting and positioning means 47 and the 28 screw arrangement in the central rail member 42. Once the adjusting screws 50 are set, the screw 49 can be used to permit removal and re- mounting of the mounting device, without dil-sturbing the settings.

Figure 9b shows an alternative embodiment in which the base member 41 of the adjustable sight mounting is formed integrally with the action 4. In particular, it is envisaged that machining the U-channel directly in the metal of the action will enhance accuracy. On the other hand, it will be appreciated that windage adjustment in the mounting will then be provided between the arms 44' and the rail member 42', in addition to the elevation adjustment already provided between those two parts.

The elevation adjustment in the mounting means in particular allows the sight and firearm to be aligned for a longer range, up to 1000m, for example. The rear of the mounting means 40 can be marked if desired with a scale for elevation, as shown in Figure 9b.

Now referring to Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a silencer 100 suitable for use with the rifle 1 shown in Figure 1. In order to accept the silencer which is about to be described, the barrel 7 of rifle has been slightly modified in that a groove 7a provided around it at a point quite close to the muzzle of the barrel 7.

1 the is end 29 The silencer 100 comprises a central chamber 101 having a through-bore 101a for the passage of bullets fired by a firearm to which the silencer is fitted. A mounting collar 102 is provided at one end of the through- bore 101a which collar is provided with a screw threaded portion 103 and a number, in this case four, of cup means 104 for the housing of ball-bearings 105 therein. The cup means 104 are sized and each has a shoulder at the base thereof which allows a correctly sized ball bearing located therein to protrude through into the through-bore 101a but not to pass completely into the through-bore 101a. The ball-bearings 105 should be of a size that will enable them to transmit force applied to them over the thickness of the collar, meaning that the ballbearings have a diameter greater than the thickness of the collar.

The silencer 100 also has a sleeve member 110 which has a central throughbore 111 with a screw threaded portion 112 at one end thereof and an inclined surface 113 where the diameter of the through-bore 111 narrows.

In use the ball-bearings 105 are located in the cup means 103 of the collar 102 and are retained therein by the locating of the sleeve 110 thereabouts. The barrel 7 of a firearm is located in the through-bore 101a of the silencer 100 by insertion of the barrel 7 through the through-bore of the sleeve member and the collar. The barrel 7 simply forces the ball-bearings 105 which protrude into the through-bore 101a back up into the cup means 104 and so enable the passage of the barrel into the through-bore. In order to securely fix the silencer 100 to the barrel, the sleeve member 110 is located and rotated so that the screw threads on the sleeve member and the collar are engaged and the sleeve moves onto the collar. As the sleeve member so moves the inclined surface 112 on the sleeve member engages the ball bearing it forcing into the cup means 104 and into engagement with the groove 7a in the barrel, in particular the leading edge of the groove. Once the ball bearing 105 is so located in the groove 7a the silencer is securely fitted to the barrel 7 of the rifle.

Although other means of engagement may be employed, the use of screw threads affords a high degree of compression and hence a solid mounting. By extending the threaded sections some way beyond the point where the inclined surface disengages the ball bearings, the risk of a user removing the sleeve completely while demounting the silencer is minimised. The sleeve 110 therefore serves to keep the ball bearings 105 20 in the cup means 104 when the silencer is not in use.

Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings show a barrel replacement tool 200 suitable for use with the rifle 1. 77 h e tool basically provides means t 0 enable the replacement of the barrel 7 of a rifle 1 whilst in the field. The replacement of the barrel 7 can be desired with changes in application for the rifle and to enable the use of the tool wth a particular rifle the barrel 7 of the rifle 1 is provided with a key- way slot 8 towards the upper reaches of

1 31 the barrel 7 at a point near where the barrel joins the rifle action 4.

The tool 200 comprises a central tubular member 201 5 which at one end thereof is provided with two foot members 202 that are pivotally mounted to the tubular member. The tubular member 201 is also provided with a key 203 towards its end remote from the pivotal foot members. The key 203 is designed to engage in the key-way 8 provided on the barrel of the rifle.

The barrel of a rifle can be fitted to the action in a number of ways. However a screw threaded mounting of the barrel into the action still provides the most accurate way 171e.

of correctly locating and fixing the barrel to the rit This type of fixing however does make it difficult to facilitate the replacement of a screw threaded barrel without requiring the complete dismantling of the rifle.

This device is designed to enable the replacement of barrels, particularly screw threaded barrel mounting employed to locate the barrel in the rifle. In order to use the device to replace the barrel of a rifle the barrel is inserted into the tubular member 201 so that the key 203 engages in the key-way provided on the barrel. Once this has been achieved it is a simple matter of rotating the action 4 of the rifle so that the barrel unscrews therefrom. if necessary, the foot members 202 provided may be stood upon to 32 increase the purchase and thereby the force applied to enable removal of the barrel.

which may be Figures 14 and 15a show a second tool 204 which allows torque to be applied safely to the action 4 of the rifle 1, for unscrewing it from the barrel, and in particular without Lhe need to dismantle the action 4 from the forestock 3 in order to get a suitable grip on the action. The tool 204 can be used most effectively in conjunction with the device of Figures 12 & 13.

The tool 204 provides at one end a square socket 205 for application of a standard torque wrench or ratchet handle.

At the other end of the tool 204 is provided a head 206 which, in the example of a bolt-action rifle, replicates substantially the form of the rifle bolt, and fits into the receiver of the action 4 in place of the bolt. The socket 205 and head 206 are connected by a shaft 207, which can incorporate a 'dog-leg' as shown, for clearance of the butt stock, cheek-piece 21 and other parts of the firearm. In the present embodiment, the entire tool 204 is 60 cm long, and the head is approximately 10 cm long.

Figures 15a and 15b show cross-sections of the head 206 (along line XV-XW Figure 14) in two versions of the tool, suitable for different actions. As mentioned above, the head replicates the bolt, - Lo provide solid guidance for the application of torque sufficient to unscrew the barrel 7 from the action 4.

i 33 is In the example of Figure 15a, the bolt and receiver are already D-section, so that the corresponding flat 208 along the length of head 206 provides the keying necessary for the application of torque. In firearms generally, however, the receiver may simple be of circular section. For this case, the example of Figure 15b can be used, in which case a separate block 209 can be fitted to head 206 after insertion into the receiver, via the ejector opening where spent cartridges are normally discharged. The block 209 can be shaped to conform with the edges of the ejector opening, and engage with them to transmit the torque. Other arrangements will suggest themselves, according to the form of each action.- The rifle 1 described above and the accessories described for use therewith can be provided either singularly or as a group up to the totality of all those described above. It will be appreciated that the embodiments presented are intended as examples only, and many variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

JQ_

Claims

Clai.ms

1. A firearm comprising a body and at least one other component of the firearm which can be adjustably attached to the body, wherein the body is provided with a series of grooves or channels which are sized to inter-mesh with corresponding grooves or channels provided on the component; wherein the body and/or component being further provided with one or more through-slots, or a series of through-bores along the length of the channels or transverse to them, such that a fixing device inserted through the component and the through-slots or through-bore will secure the component in a selected one of plural possible positions with regard to the -body.

2. A firearm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component forms a checkQiece of the firearm.

3. A firearm as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the or another component comprises a butt-plate of the firearm.

4. A firearm as claimed in claim 3, wherein a recoil stop is provided by inter engaging projections on the body and the component, when secured by the bill.

5. A firearm as claimed in claim 4, wherein said recoil stop includes a projection on the component and a mating recess in the body.

i -1 4= 6-,

6. A f irearm as claimed in claim 5, wherein said recess comprises a channel transverse to the first inventioned channels for grooves.

7. A f irearm as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said butt-plate with recoil stop can be secured at a selected positions in one of plural both longitudinally and transverse directions relative to the f iring as is of the firearm.

8. A firearm as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the component to be attached to the body includes a tongue whereon the corresponding grooves or channels are provided and the tongue can also be provided with a through-bore or through-slot for the insertion of the fixing device.

9. A firearm as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tongue forms part of a generally T-shaped member having a mounting plate for attachment of a component body to the tongue.

10. A firearm as claimed in claim 9, wherein the component body comprises a pad of wood or synthetic material is attached to the mounting plate of the T-shaped member.

11. A firearm as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the tongue or T-shaped member is made from a metal or metal alloy.

3 b/

12. A firearm with adjustable butt-plate and/or check piece substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A mounting for receiving a demountable telescopic sight, and the mounting including a body member mountable to or integrated with the firearm, a rail member pivotally fixed to the body member, and having means to adjust the angular elevation of the rail member relative to the body member.

14. A mounting as claimed in claim 13, wherein the body member comprises a U-shaped member having two upstanding arms with the rail member being located between the two arm members.

15. A mounting as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the body member is adapted to be mounted to a firearm where a telescopic sight would normally be directly mounted.

16. A mounting as claimed in claim 15, further comprising means to adjust the horizontal (windage) relationship of the body member to the firearm.

17. A mounting as claimed in claim 7, wherein the body member of the mounting is formed integrally with the action of the firearm by machining out a channel from the metal of -7 the action, the adjustment for both the elevation and the horizontal angle being provided between the rail member and the body member.

18. A mounting as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein a pivot points between the rail member and the body member for horizontal adjustment and a pivot point for adjusting the angular elevation are provided towards opposing ends of the mounting.

19. A mounting as claimed in claim 13 to 18, wherein the or each adjusting means is screw-based.

20. A mounting as claimed in any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the mounting also includes locking means to lock the rail member in position with regard to the body member and thereby lock the rail member at a set elevation angle relative to the body member.

21. A mounting as claimed in any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the horizontal (windage) adjustment maybe locked.

22. A telescopic sight mounting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 8, 9a and 9b of the accompanying drawings.

23. A silencer for use with a firearm, said silencer comprising a silencing chamber having a through-bore, c,l mounting means provided at one end of the through-bore to enable mounting of the silencer about the barrel of a firearm, wherein the mounting means has a collar with an external mating portion and a number of cup means spaced therearound into which are disposed locking elements, and a sleeve having a mating portion to engage the mating portion on the collar and an internal shoulder shaped to act against the locking elements as the sleeve is fitted to the collar, and wherein the barrel of the firearm is provided with a locking surface so that when the silencer is fitted about the barrel and the sleeve fitted about the collar the internal shoulder of the sleeve acts against the locking elements causing them to engage under pressure the locking surface on the barrel and so lock the silencer in position on the barrel.

24. A silencer as claimed in claim 28, wherein the locking surface on the barrel comprises the upper edge of a groove cut in to the barrel.

25. A silencer as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the locking elements comprise ball-bearings.

26. A silencer as claimed in claim 25, wherein the ballbearings are sized so that they are larger in diameter than the thickness of the collar 1 2

27. A silencer as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the locking elements are located in the cup means so that they may protrude into the through-bore of the silencer but can not pass completely through the collar into the 5 through-bore.

28. A silencer as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the internal shoulder is at an inclined angle so that the pressure applied to the locking element is gradually increased as the sleeve is inserted over the collar

29. A silencer as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the mating portions on the collar and sleeve are screw threads which inter-engage to draw the sleeve onto the collar as the sleeve is tightened about the collar.

30. A silencer mounting arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 10 and 11 of 20 the accompanying drawings.